Where Are Michigan’s Fireflies? Here’s The Best Time To See Them

When I was a kid, fireflies were everywhere. It was almost a nightly routine for my siblings and me to go out with glass jars, catch lightning bugs in our hands, and put them in the jars to create natural nightlights in our rooms. Yes, we popped holes in the lids.

No, they did not all survive the night. As I have grown up, I realize this activity was a bit messed up. I apologize to all the fireflies out there.

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But it goes to show that even a mere 15 years ago, it felt like fireflies would light up the night all summer long, but in recent years, they've been far and few between. Have the fireflies disappeared, or are we just not in "firefly season"? There are arguments for both, so let's break it down.

Is There A Firefly Season in Michigan?

While there isn't a technical "lightning bug season", the conditions during the end of spring and early summer tend to be when firefly larvae emerge from the ground and take to the skies. They prefer warm, humid climates, which are typically found in July and August. This humidity is why fireflies tend to be more active around bodies of water and after it rains, which makes West Michigan a pretty solid mating ground for these luminous beetles. Fireflies are most visible just after dusk.

READ MORE: Could This Be Michigan's New Official Insect?

This year's stormy spring could mean we're in for another great summer full of bioluminescence. Last year was one of Michigan's most active firefly seasons in recent history due to a warm spring and dry summer caused by the La Niña winter, resulting in an early and bountiful firefly mating season.

Firefly Population On The Decline

Sadly, the number of summers lit up by fireflies is limited. Fireflies, which rely on darkness to attract mates using their glowing bodies, have been on a steady decline every summer due to light pollution and pesticide use. Since lightning bugs communicate by glowing, the rise of artificial light confuses the bugs.

Pesticides are effective at getting rid of pests, but lightning bugs, sadly, are affected by these too. The best way to promote firefly populations is by turning off lights, letting your grass grow longer, and planting native plants on your property.